Blackwood’s notorious roundabout a focus of new State Government traffic management plan
RELOCATING a roundabout rated by the RAA as one of two of the state’s most risky intersections is at the centre of a new State Government traffic plan.
BLACKWOOD’S notorious roundabout – last year named one of the worst intersections in SA – should be made larger and relocated by several metres to reduce accidents and bottlenecks, a long-awaited Hills traffic management plan says.
The Transport Department report recommends shifting the roundabout south east of its existing location, to improve the flow of traffic through the centre of Blackwood.
According to the plan, the modified roundabout was the best way “to cater for high traffic flows through the intersection, access to the surrounding land use and bus circulation routes”.
The changes would halve the evening peak hour delays experienced by commuters on Shepherds Hill Rd and Main Rd, the report stated.
Last year RAA rated the Blackwood roundabout as second on a list of most risky intersections in SA, beaten by only the Britannia. The Britannia has since been fixed.
TELL US MORE: What do you think about this intersection? Does it need to be improved?
The new roundabout is one of six high priority projects identified in the State Government’s Blackwood traffic management plan released on Friday.
The plan also recommended the installation of two new roundabouts at the Main Rd and Russell St intersection and where Shepherds Hill Rd meets Brighton Parade and Waite St.
None of the projects highlighted in the traffic management report have been costed or had funds allocated to them.
The road management plan studied traffic issues along Main Rd, between Belair Rd and Blackwood roundabout, and Shepherds Hill Rd, from the roundabout to Seymour St.
It also reviewed recommendations contained in a 2006 study of the same area.
According to the report, the proposed changes to the Blackwood roundabout would force the War Memorial, located on the corner of Main Rd and Coromandel Parade, to be moved.
MORE: RSL says public must rule on any Memorial move
“There would be a significant amount of road works required including relocation of the War Memorial monument and possibly some land acquisition attracting a high cost for implementation,” the report stated.
“As no significant road widening would be required, this treatment is considered to be an appropriate short to medium term option at this location.”
Residents and business owners have been lobbying for improvements for years, over concerns of pedestrian safety and large traffic bottlenecks.
Community groups had suggested new roads to help move traffic away from Blackwood or single lanes on Main Rd.
The State Government is now seeking feedback on the report.
Community consultation ends Friday, March 28.
Details: infrastructure.sa.gov.au.
TELL US MORE: What do you think about this intersection? Does it need to be improved?